A solar-powered irrigation system developed by Spanish non-governmental organisation CESAL is gaining traction among agricultural producers in Mozambique, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fuel-dependent systems while serving as a model of nationally produced technology tailored to local needs.
Known as Solar Flow, the equipment was designed to improve access to irrigation in rural areas, particularly in regions where diesel or petrol supplies are unreliable or unaffordable. The system is an autonomous, low-cost unit that uses solar panels to power a submersible pump capable of drawing water from wells, rivers, or lakes for agricultural irrigation.
“The system can be used for various purposes, but we at CESAL have directed its use towards agricultural production,” said Zaida Mapanga, CESAL’s representative in Mozambique and the person responsible for the Solar Flow project.
The equipment’s mobility allows it to be relocated easily, reducing the risk of theft. A single Solar Flow unit is capable of irrigating up to two hectares of land, delivering performance comparable to fossil fuel-powered systems.
Several models of the Solar Flow are currently available, each with different capacities. One model operates with two solar panels, while another uses three panels and a higher-powered pump. The selection of the appropriate system is determined by factors including the size of the agricultural area, the type of terrain, and the available water source.
Solar Flow was first developed in 2019 and underwent multiple prototype iterations before reaching its current version, which was patented in 2025. Initially produced in Cabo Delgado, manufacturing has since expanded to the district of Boane, in Maputo Province, through a partnership with the organisation Areia de Raiz under the Work4Progress Moçambique platform. Beyond broadening access to the technology, the initiative is designed to generate income for young people and women involved in the production process.
According to figures provided by Zaida Mapanga, more than 300 producers and organisations across Mozambique have already acquired the system. Beyond its economic value, Solar Flow is positioned as an environmentally friendly solution by virtue of its reliance on renewable energy. Its promoters argue that wider adoption of such technology can contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels in agricultural activities.
With an estimated operational lifespan of approximately ten years — potentially longer with adequate maintenance — the Solar Flow system represents a bet on the sustainable modernisation of Mozambican agriculture.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=529859
